Harold and the Purple Crayon 50th Anniversary Edition (Purple Crayon Books) Reviews

• What Is Reality?

  
  By A204G7E13UW2B0 on 2006-04-30
  
  This splendid little book starts with the protagonist, Harold, "...thinking it over for some time" and deciding to go for a walk in the moonlight.
  
  This may seem unremarkable, but it is not.
  
  There is no moon. There is nothing to walk on. There is nowhere to go.
  
  For the only things that are real are Harold and the purple crayon. Otherwise, the universe in which he finds himself is apparently empty; nothing else is present. But what does nothing look like? It looks like nothing - a blank sheet of paper. But that kind of nothing is just exactly what is needed when what one is holding in one's hand is a purple crayon. And so the adventure gets underway.
  
  The first thing Harold does on setting out is draw a horizontal line.
  
  This may seem unimportant, but it is not.
  
  For what he has drawn is the horizon, and this means that now he is standing on the ground. He can walk on it too...
  
  Next he draws the moon (necessary if the walk is indeed to be in the moonlight). Harold draws it above the horizon - this means that it is in the sky. Now there is a reference point for height, and a world of three dimensions has come into being.
  
  Off he goes, drawing a path, a forest (with only one tree so he won't get lost in it) and a dragon to guard the apples that are growing in the tree. Here the creator encounters unintended consequences, as the dragon that he has wrought is so fearsome as to frighten even him. Harold backs away, his hand shaking, inadvertently drawing a wavy line as he goes.
  
  The wavy line traces out waves, and before he knows it, Harold is underwater in an ocean. He rescues himself by drawing a boat and makes his way to an unknown distant shore.
  
  The rest of the story is about Harold's trying to find his way back home. On the way there are more adventures as Harold searches far and wide. He creates an entire city with many windows but none of them is his.
  
  But then, he remembers how he used to see the moon through the window of his room. And all that is needed for homecoming is to draw a box around the moon - now he is inside looking out.
  
  As Harold draws his bed around him and goes to sleep, I found myself pondering what's real and what is not, and reflecting on those moments when we wonder where we really are and how we ever got to be here.
  
  

• Harold, creator of worlds....

  
  By A37XGUQ1VH0XM6 on 2002-02-16
  Yes, I am a 45 year old man writing a review for a children's book, and, no, I do not think that I ought to be ashamed of myself. A short while ago I stumbled upon a copy of this book by accident and I could't believe the flood of warm and pleasant memories that it brought back. This was perhaps my favorite childhood book, along with the sequels. Maybe this was because from my earliest memories I always wanted to be an artist, and that is what Harold was, an artist with a magic purple crayon. He was more than an artist, he was a creator of worlds. That was important, he wasn't presented as a trivial person doing "art", he was the creative force behind whole new worlds. Or "co-creator", for he often seemed as surprised as the reader at what flowed out of that crayon. While I didn't become an artist, I did work for most of my life as a draftsman and designer. I've seen many, many things in the real world start life as a drawing on my board or computer screen. I think that I kept faith with Harold....
  
  

• The opening of an impressionable child's eyes

  
  By A1ECV92IUPSH2H on 2000-05-06
  I read this book when I borrowed it from the library in my elementary school. I am now 18, and still reminisce on my beloved journeys around the world in a hot air balloon with Harold. This is the book that I borrowed for the first time, and then got it later again and again. It is one of the first books that ever opened my mind up to the total loss of imagination to all possibilities. Every time I read it I would think of many more adventures Harold could have had with his mystical purple crayon. Even to this day, I can think of no better book to give a child's imagination a glimpse of what possibilities there are. It is easy reading for the youngest of believers, but gives thought of what could be to even the oldest readers. I personally was not a child who favored reading, but this book was one of the few that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was one that I would read in the library while the class was still in it, and then would bring home for further enjoyment. I cannot recommend this book higher for any child whose imagination can run wild.
  
  

• My brother and I share great memories of this little book.

  
  By A3Q3QROTVKN86P on 1998-03-08
  I recently ran into the paperback version of this book and sent a copy to my brother - Harold - to read to his kids. I remembered reading it when we were kids. When he received it in the mail, he called to thank me and shared something very special. Harold is dyslexic and recalls that this book was one of the few he could read and relate to as a child. He is an electrical contractor and to this day, he ONLY uses a purple crayon on his jobs to mark electrical outlets and boxes. So - if your ever in Boulder,Co. and you happen to see a big blonde guy on a construction sight drawing outlets in purple - Well - that's Harold and his purple crayon.
  
  

• Good Book for Young Readers, and for Parents to Read Aloud

  
  By A2ABLHZZVWYRIE on 2003-04-04
  Most people remember Harold and the Purple Crayon, and wont need to read reviews before buying this for their kids. If you somehow didn't read the Harold books when you were young, you will read many other reviews that say they are great books that have stood the test of time, I agree. The story is simple and easy to follow, the illustrations are equally simple, but the story grabs kids attention. There is something magical about Harold and his adventures, as he draws various things, they become real. It is the magic that sparkles in every child's mind, imagination. Harold is also plucky and resourceful, when he accidentally draws an ocean and falls in, or accidentally leaves a mountain unfinished and falls off, he doesn't panic, but thinks a way out and draws a boat and a hot air balloon to climb into. What a guy! The story is often humorous, a big plus with kids, but not overly so. It has a quiet and calm feel to it, and that combined with the fact that Harold gets tired and goes to bed in the end makes it a wonderful bedtime book. It is also great for young readers (probably Level 2), the words are for the most part short and not too hard. My daughter is a slow reader and has only been reading on her own for about 6 or 7 months and she read this with almost no help, I only had to guide her through a few difficult words. It is a lot of pages for a young reader, but since there is only one or two sentences per page, the story isn't that long. The book also appeals to a wide range of ages, it keeps the attention of my three year old, but doesn't seem like a baby book for my ten year old. I think it stems from the fact that, even though the story is so simple it never once talks down. Adults will also appreciate Harold, even those who don't look on him with fond memories. My husband had never read the book Harold and the Purple Crayon when he was young, after reading it for the first time he chuckled and said "What a great book." If you've never read it, buy it, I am sure you will agree!
  
  
• good book - Too small
  By A2O26PWUTPP6FO on 2005-09-25
  Just a warning to buyers of books - look at the size of the book you are buying. I was disappointed to receive such a small book. Being a teacher reading these to my class was a challenge because of the small size, pages, pictures etc.
  
  
• It's a timeless book. March 20, 2001
  By A1WNMBY3ROONQN on 2001-03-20
  Even though this book was written quite a few years ago, it doesn't matter because somethings transcend time. In this book you have a child in a nightgown with a magic purple crayon that can create any environment that is necessary. We all do this each night when we dream...Every page has a 'situation', and the readers look forward to discovering what Harold will draw next with his purple crayon in order to get out of it. My copy is a bit worn because it was one of the 'must read books' that was read to each of my five kids. Enjoy!
  
  
• A children's classic
  By on 2002-07-27
  There are only a few books written for 4-5 yo kids that are really good literature and that an adult will enjoy as well. This is one of them. It is timeless, elegant, simple and creative. You and your child will enjoy this and the other "Harold" books tremendously.
  
  
• Harold and the Purple Crayon
  By on 2000-07-20
  Harold is a small boy who goes out for a walk with a purple crayon in his hand. Harold draws everything he needs or wants with his purple crayon including his bed when he gets ready to lie down and go to sleep at the end of the story.

  Teacher Notes: Harold and the Purple Crayon is one of several of Harold's Purple Crayon Adventures. Preschool or kindergarten children would love this book. It would be great to read to students who are reluctant to draw since Harold draws all of his adventures.
  
  

• Get out that crayon and take a trip!
  By A1IU7S4HCK1XK0 on 2001-11-21
  Do books influence kids? Well, this one influenced me. First of all, the author went to the same college as my dad--Cooper Union. This is a very history education institution in New York that specializes in art, architecture and engineering. You can see some of the influence in Mr. Johnson's almost blueprint-style stories.

  Johnson was actually a cartoonist and married to an author of children's books. Maurice Sendak, the very reknown author of children's literature spent time collaborating and learning from Johnson.

  The idea of creating a world with a purple crayon is utterly compelling. The 40's and 50's retro style of the drawing is irresistible. Share this with someone you love and take a walk in the moonlight together. Don't forget the crayon.
  
  

• Thumbs up from My 2-year-old!
  By ADN98CV2K8ZJ4 on 2003-07-28
  I worried this might be too meaty for my 2-year-old, but he adores this story. It's at once simple and engaging -- and (I believe) great fodder for the imagination. It's almost epic compared to other children's books -- so take a pass if you're looking for a quick read before bedtime! But if you want a book you can linger over with your child -- this is it.
  
  
• Story of a Little Boy with a Huge Imagination
  By AVYGQJQ6FGTUJ on 2004-06-08
  This classic little book is a lovely reflection on childhood imagination and the joys of creativity.

  Tiny wide-eyed Harold, in his one piece jammies and purple crayon in hand, wanders through the night using the dark canvas of sky to draw whatever fanciful dreamscapes his curious young mind can conjure.

  No dummy is our Harold. He is an inventive little fellow who devises his own path, invents his own moon to light his way, makes a boat when he finds himself enveloped in a purple sea, creates pies when he is hungry, and so on until he is tired. Thanks to cleverly leaving behind special images as pointers to guide his way, he makes it back home in one piece and with lots of exciting stories to tell.

  This is such a delightful book for children and one of the reasons is that it can be used interactively. Read the story with your kids then give them some crayons and a huge sheet of paper and let them loose to design and explore their own magical worlds.
  
  

• Love it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  By on 2007-11-28
  I fell in love with this book. It showed me that all he needs in my life is the imagination to have an adventure. It is a book that is both calming and empowering . It allows us to dream and imagine. It certainly deserves your consideration. Another such volumes are Why Some Cats are Rascals, Book 1 and Where the Wild Things Are
  
  
• Power and a Purple Crayon
  By A2NWWA3YPJHMR4 on 2000-06-09
  *Harold and the Purple Crayon* mesmerized me as a child. My 5 year old adores it, and my ten year old can't hide his continuing enthusiasm. With his purple Crayon, sensible Harold creates the moon so that he can see where he's going. He accidentally creates the sea (his drawing hand shakes, thus making waves appear) but soon negates this potential danger by drawing a boat and, finally, land. When hungry, Harold draws a delicious picnic with purple food. Harold copes.

  The central idea is that a child, no matter how small, can exert control over the world, and when that child makes mistakes -- drawing a choppy sea, for instance -- those mistakes can be remedied. This book gives a child power. Grown-ups don't count; Harold makes what he needs without help. Under the influence of this book, at the ripe age of 11, I created a club called "The Purple X", in which, using purple markers to send letters, I set out to right all wrongs. Harold goes one better; he makes light and land. And the book makes children who feel empowered to tackle the problems of a big, scary world.
  
  

• A GENUINE CLASSIC ALL AGES LOVE
  By AIEEK7AHXKZCC on 2000-08-17
  This is a story I loved when I was a child. It is a gently written, wonderfully crafted fantasy about how a child takes creative control of his world with a single purple crayon. Harold takes his readers on many a literary pleasure jaunt with his crayon and one gets vicarious pleasure in seeing how Harold gets out of jams with a few swift strokes of that crayon! It is very funny and something all ages will love.
  
  
• A wonderful story for younger children.
  By A2B21POKQ3N09H on 2002-03-03
  I think that younger kids love this story so much because it's a book that operates the way they do-vivid but simple ideas put forth in a more or less stream of consciousness style that mirrors the very young child's thinking pattern. Harold's adventure is one where one things move together quickly in a not necessarily logical, but highly imaginative sequence.

  Also, Harold is the one in control-an aspect that I think also really appeals to kids. Everything in the story appears solely by virtue of Harold employing his imagination to his surrounding. Isn't that essentially that a 4 years olds play pattern is most of the time?
  That it is a sweet and fun tale only adds to the enjoyment.

  A great book that your kids will have you reading to them over and over again.
  
  

• Celebrating the imagination-- my favorite children's book!
  By A1IB8LZSE6JBH2 on 2003-05-15
  Twenty-five years after I last read the story of "Harold and the Purple Crayon", I picked up the book again to read it to my four-year-old son. He loved it! Several years later, I picked up a copy again to send to my grandson.... what amazed me about both those times (even with the lengthy intervals between them) was that I had forgotten nothing. The pictures were burned into my mind's eye; the text still a part of my memory. I found that I could recite the story of Harold and his crayon without even looking.

  This is a true celebration of the imagination, and in my opinion the very best children's book ever! It has a profound impact on adults as well as children, and it is infinitely delightful. (I even learned my very first play-on-words/pun from Crockett Johnson's classic (near the end of the book, when Harold "drew up the covers").

  "Harold and the Purple Crayon" is the first and by far the best book in Crockett Johnson's "Harold" series, but it is not necessarily Johnson's best work. That distinction is reserved for his old "Barnaby" series of comic book stories, with the memorable Fairy Godfather Mr. O'Malley (hmmmm... come to think of it: Barnaby and Harold look a lot alike-- could they be related?).

  If you have children emerging from the theatrical threes and heading into the fabulous fours, try them on "Harold and the Purple Crayon". It is a masterpiece of perfect simplicity and imaginative joy!
  
  

• One of the best bedtime books ever!
  By A9V25MMWKHC6Q on 2004-06-26
  My 3.5 year old son adores this book and I do too. We read it nearly every night. Harold is an imaginative little boy who draws a world of his own. My son is always talking right along with the book about all the wonderful things he is going to draw. I think every child should have this book. I can't wait 'till my son can read it for himself!
  
  
• Purple Crayons
  By A1AFVA0QAPYF11 on 2006-11-09
  My son is 23 months old and we love this book. It really is an imaginative story, with wonderful pictures and clever writing.
  
  
• Not as fun as the HBO cartoon
  By A2S62W479MHAAT on 2006-11-13
  My daughter loves the HBO cartoon, "Harold and the Purple Crayon," so I was really excited about finding this book at Amazon for her. Unfortunately she didn't feel the same way about the book as the HBO cartoon. Still I like having this classic as part of her collection.
  
  
• Classic story that still hold up after almost 45 years
  By on 2000-01-30
  Charming story about a young boy who uses a simple purple crayon to create an imaginary world.

  My 5 year old daughter loves it, and the simply drawn pictures allow the reader to also use his imagination.

  A classic!
  
  

• enjoyment over...and over....and over.............
  By on 1999-12-10
  My wife and I have read this book hundreds of times to our daughters ages 5 and 3 for a couple of years now and they never get tired of it. A great book for letting their imaginations run wild. This book belongs in every young childs bookcase.
  
  
• A Boy, An Imagination, A Purple Crayon -- A Great Kid's Book
  By A8DJ9EU2QP2JM on 2001-05-16
  This is a neat book unlike others that I bet are in your kid's collection.

  The author has produced an ode to every child's imagination. Harold, the only character, produces a fantasy world by drawing his story with his purple crayon. Sinking in the ocean? Harold draws a boat. Falling off a mountain? Harold draws a hot-air balloon to take him to safety. Need directions in the big city? Harold draws a policeman to help point the way home.

  That's all there is to this nice little book. A boy and a lot of stick and outline figures drawn in purple crayon. It works
  
  

• A Charming, Absolutely Perfect Bedtime Story
  By A1RM0NYWGD4CZ3 on 2002-04-23
  I loved to read as a child, and my uncle provided me with so many wonderful books... but somehow, he missed this one. I never heard of it until a friend of mine bought this book for my son. So at age 32, I experienced Harold and the Purple Crayon for the time. What a wonderful story! Harold takes his purple crayon and draws himself many different scenes, from a trip across the ocean to a balloon ride to a walk in the city. Crockett Johnson keeps the story moving at a fast but easy pace, and as a result it flows very nicely. My son has just turned three and he is starting to really get into it. This one is sure to be one of your children's favorite books.
  
  
• Wild and Inventive
  By A2ZMUPEBGI1IDL on 2002-06-21
  The "purple crayon" series of books are a joy to read for both myself and my toddler. The stories are truly inventive with a wild twist on Harold forming his own reality.
  
  
• Harold harold bow-berald, banna fanna foe-ferald...
  By AMX0PJKV4PPNJ on 2004-05-27
  There's something about Crockett Johnson (real name David Johnson Leisk) that is instantly recognizable. Like Matt Groening of "The Simpsons" fame, Johnson had a particular style of drawing that was both simple and infinitely adaptable. Though he drew the comic strip "Barnabus" and the incredibly simple, "The Carrot Seed", it is "Harold and the Purple Crayon" that won Johnson the fame he has today. The story has been ripped off a million times in a million different ways, but we can all credit this original as the first of the first. All hail that spunky Harold and his oh-so purple crayon.
  
  When we first meet Harold he and his magical purple crayon are already well acquainted. No picture in this book appears that Harold does not draw himself (aside from Harold himself). Our intrepid hero sets off on a series of small adventures that are both intentionally and unintentionally caused by his crayon. Drawing everything from the moon (which makes a point to appear on every single page that Harold finds himself on) to dragons to flying balloons to a policeman, Harold has a gay old time.
  
  Wanna hear a petty complaint? A petty, insignificant, hardly-worth-listening-to complaint? Okay, here goes..... it bothers me that Harold's crayon never gets smaller. By logical extension it should, shouldn't it? Of course, by logical extension I should remember that this is, after all, a MAGIC purple crayon. Maybe magic crayons don't get smaller. Obviously I don't know the rules that govern crayons particularly well. If I did I wouldn't be having these problems. In any case, that's my only objection to this book. It is, I know from personal experience, a heavily adored and respected story. People will carry copies of this book with them all their lives. There is something about Harold and his tiny adventures that speaks to the hearts of millions. If you've never had the pleasure of reading a Crockett Johnson book, this is the place to start. If you have read this book, read it again. It's just that good.
  
  
• my first favorite book ever
  By A3EC28N79EKVNM on 2005-12-06
  my father gave me a copy of "Harold and the Purple Crayon" when i was just about four years old and i absolutely fell head over heels in love with Harold. i remember sitting on the floor for hours just flipping through this book page by page and imagining myself into the story. i truly believe that this book was the door that opened into my love of reading. So of course when i saw this book in my pre-schoolers book order i had to get it for him. and it turns out that he loves Harold almost as much as i did at that age. it's a wonderful story about how to use your imagination and that you don't need all of these high tech toys in the world today to do it. Harold only needed a crayon.
  
  
• Doesn't get any better for children's books
  By A2MPXQB68PGSM8 on 2007-02-04
  This is one of my all time favorite children's books. I remember vividly reading this book as a child. I must have read it a hundred times, and it still makes me smile when I read it today. It is the story of Harold, a boy with an extraordinary imagination. Harold creates the world around him with a purple crayon. He leaves his room one night and goes on an adventure led by his imagination and a crayon. The illustrations are so simple, yet capture the imagination of a child so well. I got this book for Christmas from my sister and was so happy to have it again. I lost my original copy when my house flooded in 1995. This is definitely one that I will hold on to for my children one day. It's one of those classics that will always remain relevant.
  
  
• great memories!
  By A1DZJ2STLYGYHG on 1999-10-15
  I loved it as a child and read it to my brother almost every night when he was a child. I am now buying it for my child to enjoy. Great for teaching children to use their imaginations. I'm very glad I am able to pass this down.
  
  
• wonderful book-my 3 year old loves it!
  By A1N36V7DH012NZ on 2001-05-02
  We have Harold and the Purple Crayon and Harold Goes to the Sky. My 3 year old LOVES these books, and they're great for helping him with his imaganination..and his 34 year old mommy likes em too!!
  
  

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